What to do in and around Karpacz?

We present you with some tips on what to do around Karpacz, especially if you went there for the weekend with children :)

We started thinking about what to do in Karpacz when we were planning our stay at the Sniezka Settlement near Karpacz. Because it’s not just the spa and pools alone that a man lives, and you need to get out into the mountains!

Especially once the sun is out, it’s worth going for a walk, and I don’t mean a stroll around the neighborhood or along Karpacz’s main promenade (although those are also good options). Our location allowed quick access to many hiking trails – some you can reach in 10-15 minutes by car.

We chose two: Snow Mountain and Cross Mountain/Sokolik.

Snowball

Yes, I know, there were supposed to be no highest peaks, but nevertheless we decided to “conquer” Snow Mountain. And we were by no means driven by the need to conquer the highest peak of the Giant Mountains. Sentimental and logistical considerations weighed in.

I remember climbing Snow White as a child. It was quite a challenge and an ordeal, especially the last stretch, but the memories remain, and to this day I wonder how it’s possible that I remember sections of the trail I walked on more than 20 years ago. I wanted to experience it again and see what this route looks like now, at least the final section of it.

And here we come to the logistical aspects – we didn’t have enough time to get up and down on foot, so we took the train, which in itself can be a historical attraction, since it was the last weekend when single-seat chairs were running. 18.09.2017 The chairlift“Kopa” has been shut down, and in its place, in a few months, a four-person lift will be built.

The railroad can easily be traveled with a child – very many parents took their children in carriers or slings and thus were able to safely ascend the Kopa.

From here it’s a straight and easy way to Sněžka. That’s right! Surprisingly easy. If one was stubborn, maybe even a stroller could do it. Just after the Silesian House, the road splits into two trails: you can follow the sharper entrance or go around the blue trail (called the Jubilee trail).

We ascended the mountain with the heavier one, and descended with the gentler one. It wasn’t easy, as it was quite windy on the way to the summit and there were clouds, but as soon as we started descending they dissipated and we could enjoy the views.

This is how the view looks in the skyline:

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It is definitely not the trail I remember from my childhood. Although, on the other hand, Sněžka has become an easily accessible and safer peak, even for families with small children.

Falcon Mountains

However, if popular trails are not for you, we encourage you to approach Krzyzna Gora or Sokolik. Smaller, lower but very picturesque. They are part of the Falcon Mountains and are 654 meters above sea level and 642 meters above sea level, respectively. Why are we writing about both two? These are the two highest peaks of the massif, separated by the Pass. The trails to both mountains begin at Schronisko Szwajcarka, which can theoretically be approached by car (parking is charged at 5 PLN).

From the shelter initially goes all the trails: red, black, blue and green. They lead to the Hussite Rocks, where there is a viewpoint. Further on there is a fork and it is up to you to decide: black – Krzyzna Mountain, red – Sokolik.

We, unfortunately, did not manage to do everything as planned, either because time calculations failed us or our form, which we bravely work on all day in a sitting position ;) But nothing, there will be something to come back for, and at least we discovered interesting routes.

Kowary Miniature Park

While in the area, you should definitely also visit the Miniature Park of Lower Silesian Castles in Kowary, which we wrote about in a more recent post here.

Summary

Karpacz is definitely a place where there is something for everyone. Whether in Karpacz itself or in the surrounding area. It is worth going here for a weekend or a little longer :)

We also recommend the entire photo gallery:

Zobacz galerię zdjęć z tego wpis >>>

…and our post about the Path in the Crowns of Trees in the Czech Republic.